What Makes A Month...

It is hard for me to believe that Dallas Brantley, born on April 13th at 8:17 am, is ONE month old today. I was trying to think back to the days that seemed to whisk by... what in the world has made a month? I feel like it was just yesterday that he was born, weighing in at 8 lbs 1 oz and was 21 inches long. But actually, yesterday, he weighed in at 10 lbs 9 oz and is getting bigger by the day. Many have asked for a new blog, but with three kids... let's get real... time is not on my side!!! So, I decided to dedicate tonight to reminding myself and sharing with you what made a month in our world...

Week 1: Dallas is born. First photo shoot.

Week 2: Dallas grows. 2nd photo shoot. Brody dresses up as a playa'???? :)

Week 3: Dallas grows. Brody starts school and drops out all in 1 week. 3rd photo shoot.

Week 4: Dallas grows. Mothers day. I turn 28. He turns 1 month old.

And 1 month is made.

Just. Like. That. :(

The 4-B-4...

We are roughly 10 days away from becoming a Party of Five. It's hard to believe Brody will become a big brother, Jadin will be an even bigger brother and Jeremy and I will be the proud parents of a THIRD child!!! A little scary but we are up for the challenge. I can't wait to hold him or her and find out if he or she is a him or her!

But, before that day arrives... we wanted to take a few pictures to capture our life as it is right now. 2 beautiful boys that we love and adore and a great marriage that we enjoy. It's a bit sad to say goodbye to our party of four since we are preparing for an addition that will soon out number us! But, we believe that each child is such a blessing and miracle. So, if there is room in the heart, then there is room in the home.

Food Fight: Party of One

After serving Brody some lunch, I got busy in the kitchen preparing some buffalo chicken dip for our small group that evening. He was quiet and content which should have been my first clue!

Once I wrapped up what I was doing, I glanced over at Brody to see the tail end of his solitary food fight. He was finishing off the last drop of applesauce by smearing it into his blonde locks. I said, "Brody, what are you doing?!?!?!?!" He replied confidently, "I give me haircut." Of course! Haven't you heard? Applesauce is the new pomade. It's sticky and will smell fresh for at least a few hours.

Stuff like this doesn't get to me. I take the blame if a disaster happens but I capture it with a picture first. Then, off to the bathtub he went. :)

And the forecast calls for... 5 more pounds

At a recent doctor's visit, I was talking to my doctor about how with this pregnancy, I feel like I cannot get enough to eat. With my two boys, I slowed down towards the end of the pregnancy- I felt really full if I ate a normal size meal. But, this time... I am able to put it down and go back for more!

His response was... "Well, we like for women to shoot for about a 30 lb weight gain and you've only gained 20." He went on to say, "In the last trimester, women typically gain a pound a week, where the baby gets almost half of that weight gain. And, you only have 5 weeks to go... so you're only looking at gaining.... 5 more pounds. I say... eat what you want and enjoy it."

And I always follow doctor's orders! Not that I needed his permission, because I was doing just fine eating what I wanted and enjoying it too! But, I got to thinking about how they say half of the weight gain goes to the baby in the last trimester. Yet they kindly don't mention where the other half goes. Well, let me tell you where it goes...

You can count on a couple of pounds landing right on the ole derriere. A good pound or two in your thighs and arms. Why not inject a little water weight into your ankles? And don't forget about your face... where do you think those glowing cheeks come from? Of course, you may benefit from the larger bust size... (sorry to my male readers :)) But, we all know it's a fleeting increase that will leave you worse for the wear.

Don't get me wrong, I am not crying over the weight gain. I mean, I dread seeing the scales go up at every visit like any other woman. However, in the end, I know it's just a few pounds and a little wear and tear for a new life. So... I guess I can sum this blog up with my favorite quote...

Put your big girl panties on and deal with it!!!

Literally! :)